Note: we are republishing this story which originally made the news in March 2022. In a stunning turn of events at Sunday night’s Academy Awards, Hollywood heavyweight Will Smith took center stage for an unexpected altercation with comedian Chris Rock, making headlines and dominating conversations worldwide. The incident occurred following a controversial joke aimed at Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, delivered by Rock during their on-stage interaction. While the viral video has become the talk of the town, a new debate has emerged—was it a genuine outburst or a meticulously planned stunt? Watch the video below:

The controversy intensified as a slowed-down version of the incident circulated on social media, prompting questions about its authenticity. A Twitter user shared the manipulated video with a caption suggesting Chris Rock’s anticipation of the impending smack, stating, “His hand barely grazed him. Actors, especially action stars like Will Smith, know how to pull a punch (or slap). This was staged.” The online community found itself sharply divided on the matter. @DogeDontPlay dismissed the relevance of the Oscars, claiming, “Oscars are so dead, nobody cares. Yet it’s all everyone is talking about today. Hmmmm.” Meanwhile, @RealCobraLily provided a detailed analysis, asserting, “This proves that it was staged! Chris starts to pull his head back a little bit early! If Smith even touched Chris, it was on the chin, but it looks like a rehearsed act.”

While some contend the slap was part of a staged performance, others vehemently argue its authenticity. One commenter challenged skeptics, demanding, “Please give me a reason why they would stage this?” Notably, @ClayTravis expressed admiration for Chris Rock, stating, “Honestly, Chris Rock taking an open-handed undefended hit live on TV from a dude way bigger than him and finishing the awards presentation is the most impressive thing he’s ever done in his career.” The heated argument began when Rock aimed a joke at Pinkett Smith’s shaved head, referencing the film “G.I. Jane 2,” drawing a parallel with the 1997 movie starring Demi Moore, who shaved her head for the role of a fictional Navy SEAL candidate. Pinkett Smith, diagnosed with alopecia areata in 2018, has been candid about her challenges with hair loss on social media.

Sources: Fox 35